Top Distance Education Universities in Kerala 2025: The southwestern Indian state of Kerala stands out because it has exceptional literacy standards and embraces education through its deep academic tradition and active scholarly life. More than 35 million people reside in the state, and multiple thousands of these individuals engage in higher education. Education in Kerala exists through 14 universities, over 300 engineering schools, and many colleges that focus on arts, science, and commerce. Students have continuously increased their enrollment in undergraduate and postgraduate programs over the last few years.
The upcoming academic session will welcome applications from more than 3-4 lakh students who will seek university admissions to study engineering as well as medical sciences, business and arts and technology programs. The University of Kerala together with Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) and Mahatma Gandhi University represent some of the educational centres that annually draw large student populations because of their excellent academic delivery and varied academic programs.
Kerala has implemented strategies to improve employment opportunities for its students since various top companies in different industrial sectors are conducting regular recruitment drives at its institutions. Students from all backgrounds choose Kerala as they find its educational standards combined with affordability and easy accessibility in the state.
Top Distance Education Universities in Kerala
Kerala is home to several prestigious universities that provide excellent distance education options, offering students flexible learning opportunities. These universities offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses, all recognized by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB). Some of the leading universities offering distance education in Kerala include:
- Calicut University
- Kerala University
- Sreenarayana Guru Open Universtiy
Why Choose Distance Education in Kerala?
Choosing distance education in Kerala offers numerous advantages for students. Here are the top reasons why one should choose distance education in Kerala:
- UGC-Approved Programs: Kerala offers a variety of UGC-approved distance education programs, ensuring that students receive legitimate and recognized degrees that are valued in the job market.
- Flexibility: Distance education allows students to learn at their own pace and from the comfort of their homes, making it an ideal option for working professionals or individuals with other commitments.
- Diverse Course Options: Kerala’s universities provide a wide range of programs in fields like business, engineering, science, arts, and more, offering ample choices for students based on their interests and career goals.
- Affordability: Distance education programs in Kerala are generally more cost-effective than traditional classroom-based education, providing an affordable alternative for many students.
- Technological Integration: Kerala’s distance education programs leverage modern technology, offering students access to online resources, e-learning tools, and virtual classrooms that enhance the learning experience and accessibility.
Top 3 Distance Education Universities in Kerala
University of Calicut
University of Calicut was founded in the year 1968 in Malappuram, Kerala. This university is recognised by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB)-UGC. It is one of the largest universities of Kerala with 395 affiliated colleges and 34 teaching and research departments spread across several districts. The Institute of Correspondence and Continuous Education was established in the year 1981, to help those who wish to complete their education but can’t attend colleges regularly.
The institution provides over 13 UG courses including B.A., B.Com, and BBA, all in varied disciplines and over 12 PG courses including M.Sc., MBA, and MA in many specialisations. Calicut University begins its admission process for all the UG and PG distance education courses in the third week of January for every academic session. The fees are very affordable ranging from INR 4,000 to INR 15,000 ranging from varied courses payable via online transactions.
University of Kerala
The University of Kerala was founded in the year of 1937m by the Maharaja of Travancore, Sri Chithira Trinul Balarama Varma, who was also the first Chancellor of the university. Kerala University is Recognised by UGC-DEB, and re-accredited by NAAC with an “A++” grade. The school of distance education started in 1976 as a teaching and research department of the University of Kerala and is one of the state’s centres for open learning. Kerala University commences its online admission process in July every year.
Kerala University offers various UG and PG courses including Bachelor of Library and Information Sciences, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Bachelor of Arts (B.A. in Sociology, Political Science, History, Economics, Hindi, Malayalam, English, Mathematics), Master of Library and Information Sciences, Masters of Commerce (M.Com in finance), Master of Arts (M.A. in Sociology, Public Administration, Political Science, History, English), Masters of Science (M.Sc in computer science and mathematics).
The fees of UG and PG courses range from INR 7,000 to INR 25,000 making it more affordable for the marginalised sections. The university also provides scholarships and reductions for sections in need.
Sree Narayana Guru Open University
Sree Narayana Guru Open University is a state-open university in Kollam, Kerala. It was established in 2020 by the Sreenarayanaguru Open University Act 2021 (Kerala Act No. 1 of 2021). The university was the first open university in Kerala and was approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2021. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses, all approved by the Distance Education Board.
The UG Courses offered by SGOU include Bachelor of Arts (B.A. in Sanskrit, Hindi, Arabic, Malayalam, English, History, Economics, Sociology, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology and Nano Entrepreneurship), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc in Data science and analytics).
The postgraduate courses of SGOU are Masters of Arts (M.A. in Malayalam, English, History, Sociology, Sanskrit, Philosophy, Economics, Arabic, Hindi, Public Administration and Political Science) and Master of Commerce (M.Com). The admission process will usually begin in June of every academic year. The fees for the courses range from INR 10,000 to INR 15,000.
List of Distance Education Universities in Kerala Apporved By UGC DEB
| State of University | Type of University | Name of University |
Recognition of University
|
| KERALA | STATE UNIVERSITY | Calicut University Distance Education |
ODL Approved University
|
| KERALA | STATE UNIVERSITY | Kerala University Distance Education |
ODL Approved University
|
| KERALA | STATE OPEN UNIVERSITY | Sreenarayanaguru Open University Admission |
ODL Approved University
|
| KERALA | CENTRAL UNIVERSITY | IGNOU | Category-1 University |